Introducing the
VALD Applied Research Initiative for physiotherapists
Launching VALD Applied Research Initiative
Mark Opar, Head of Strategy VALD Health
Key focus areas
VALD is democratising the delivery of musculoskeletal health through the adoption of technology. Our VARI grant offers funding between $2,500 AUD and $50,000 AUD per project for research into one of the following areas:
- Ageing populations and falls risk mitigation
- Hip and knee osteoarthritis and joint replacement
- Providing remote care
Ageing populations and falls risk mitigation
The aging population are at an increased risk of acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries and other adverse events such as falls. VALD is committed to supporting researchers in understanding how to identify at-risk individuals.
Hip and knee osteoarthritis and joint replacement
Osteoarthritis is a frequently managed musculoskeletal condition, with hip and knee joints regularly affected. VALD is committed to supporting projects aimed at reducing medical review and joint replacement waitlists by improving outcomes through targeted screening and intervention.
Providing remote care
Remote care enables patients to access medical services from their own homes, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to healthcare for people in remote or underserved areas. VALD is committed to supporting projects aimed at demonstrating the efficacy of musculoskeletal health services delivered remotely.
Support of research
VALD aims to provide industry support of research and development to ultimately help improve the health and wellbeing of communities around the world.
By supporting the next generation of researchers, in particular in underserved countries, we also aim to demonstrate the efficacy of VALD technology in a clinical setting to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal conditions and improve rehabilitation outcomes across key populations.
Research
VALD aims to provide industry support of research and development that improves the health and wellbeing of not only elite athletes, but all members of the community.
By supporting the next generation of researchers, we aim to demonstrate the efficacy of VALD products in driving performance improvements and augmenting rehabilitation outcomes across key populations.
Research is in our DNA. We were founded on the back of research, our products are continually featured in research and we build and refine our products based on the latest research.
Who can apply for a grant?
VALD has allocated a total of $100,000 AUD and each applicant can apply for between $2,500 AUD and $50,000 AUD. We intend to approve applications across a range of budgets and timelines, so applicants are not obliged to request the maximum funding amount. Applications requesting smaller amounts will be assessed favourably.
VALD is committed to supporting excellent applied research, in particular where the research is performed in underserved and developing countries.
How can you apply for a grant?
Please complete and submit the application form by Friday, 5 May 2023. The project proposal must be attached as a PDF file and should feature the following:
- Project title
- Funding requested
- Principal investigator, name, current clinical institution, academic institution and email address
- CV of principal investigator attached as a PDF
- Additional investigators, including names of their institutions
For more information and questions related to your proposal, please email info.grants@vald.com with your name and institution in the subject line.
FAQ
How can the funding be used for your research project?
- The funding can be used to pay the principal investigator and/or research assistants to help with implementation.
- Funding can be leveraged with internal funding but cannot be used to pay for research on-costs.
What is the maximum amount of money I can apply for?
- $50,000 AUD per application.
Can my research team submit multiple applications?
- Yes, provided the application targets a different core research priority or target population from your other application(s).
How will the project be managed?
- VALD will request quarterly updates during the project to review its status and progress against planned deliverables.
- Deliverables will be defined up front, along with due dates.
- VALD will provide a point of contact to ensure the research remains on track and delivers business value.
Who owns the intellectual property of Developed Material?
- Ownership of, and all Intellectual Property Rights in, the Developed Material will vest in VALD.
- VALD grants the Research Recipients a license to use the Developed Material for the duration of the Project Term.
Can the work be published?
- Yes, provided VALD is made aware of submissions and given acknowledgement of progress against planned deliverables.
How can I request more information?
- Please send an email to info.grants@vald.com with your name and institution in the subject line.
When do I need to apply by?
- The application closing date is the Friday, 5 May 2023.
What is the definition of an Early Career Researcher (ECR)?
- An ECR must have had their PhD conferral within 5 years of the submission deadline.
What is the anticipated application review timeline?
- Within 2 months of the submission deadline, although this depends on the volume of applications we receive.
Can the budget include salary on costs and/or indirect costs?
- It would be favourable if salary on costs and/or indirect costs can be waived by the institution to increase the amount of available funding for researchers.
Can private companies, sports clubs, and other non-academic institutions apply for the grant?
- Certainly. We welcome applications from any institutions with great ideas.
Is an itemised breakdown of the budget with justification included in the 500-word limit?
- Applicants can submit the budget and/or timeline as a separate spreadsheet that won’t be included in the final word count.
Do submissions need to be written in English?
- Yes, we will only review grant submissions written in English.
